Its your everyday Supersports
So, it has a full-faring, clip-on handlebars and rearset footpegs. But, the RR 310 is more like the Ninja 300 and the Yamaha R3 than the KTM RC390. So, it has less aggressive seating, less dramatic power delivery, and a more comfortable seat. Also given TVS has designed heat deflectors as part of the faring, it should run cooler on commutes.
Our take : More everyday bike than an out and out exciting one.
Its design is dictated by aerodynamics
We think the Akula looked brilliant. It had just the right mix of aggression, modernity and raciness to it which had all of us drooling on it at the previous Auto Expo. The RR 310 in that respect is a little timid. It's also not as harmonious a design as the Akula. And that's because TVS decided to hone the bike's performance in a wind tunnel. The RR might have lost some of its design edginess because of that, but it has gained speed. Hitting a top speed of 160kmph on a bike weighs almost 170kg and makes under 35bhp is impressive.
Our take : Not exactly great looking but it uses aeros to compensate for outright power.
It was developed by racers
TVS Motors has 35 years of racing history; a fact highlighted by the sticker on the RR's tail. And we all know there's no better way to develop a motorcycle, especially when it comes it dynamics, performance, and engine and parts reliability, than to go racing. TVS doesn't race the RR 310 of course, at least not yet, but it has used its exisiting pool of racers extensively to develop the RR. This should translate into a sorted, fun to ride motorcyle.
Our take: Racers aren't generally great at diplomacy, and that means if TVS has listened to its riders, the bike should prove to be quite reliable.
It is well specced
For a motorcycle in its class the Apache RR 310 has all the pre-requisites; dual channel ABS, USD forks, an alloy swingarm, and a near 35bhp liquid cooled engine. But unlike the Ninja 300 - but not unlike the RC - it also gets digital clocks with many readouts from fuel economy to speed to acceleration. Additionally, it gets all-LED headlamps with projector beams and wavy brake rotors. It also gets split seats and aluminium footrests, but no rear grab handles.
Our take: TVS has done well to match the competition and better them on some counts.
It has no versions, and only two colours
Again, like most of the other 250cc plus motorcycles, the RR 310 also only comes in one version. As we detailed above, it's a well specced one at that. And though it comes in two colours, it is still more than many other offer!
Our take: It's a smart thing to have less versions when the sales aren't going to be in the high thousands. Helps with better inventory control. As for lack of choice, we don't feel many would be affected.